SETV News Sample Script

When you're working in a space, you need to know where things are. These are some sample layouts for small television stations with studios and control rooms.

The above outlines are simple, including room locations in a building with basic placement of a few pieces of equipment.

This is a much more detailed drawing of a television studio (above). This actually showcases where the anchor desk and chairs are, where the cameras are in relation, and where the light fixtures are hanging (a few at least). This is about right for level of detail and overhead layout.

Finally, this is a crazy cool 3D drawing of a television studio with placement of anchors, cameras, lights, and the control room staff. This is above the top not necessary for our purposes. This drawing actually makes it a little hard to see what is where because there is too much detail.

What is "Broadcast Journalism" ? And why study it?

Broadcast Journalism is defined as the means of communicating news from journalists to the public through radio, television, or Internet.

Do you watch television or listen to the radio?

Do you consume 'news'?

Okay, first...what is 'news' to you?

Alright, now how do you consume 'news'?

What does "broadcast" journalism mean again?

Do you think the term 'broadcast' still applies?

How could we better categorize our work?

What is your role as a journalist?

How is that role changing?

Radio, Television & Internet

Three Categories of Journalism: Electronic News Gathering (ENG)Electronic Field Production (EFP)​Studio Productions

Electronic News Gathering (ENG) is simply a reporter and a producer going out and gathering information to bring it back for a show.

Electronic Field Production (EFP) is when a production crew goes out and broadcasts live from a location or event as the show; example would be the Oscar’s, Emmy’s, etc. ​

Studio Productions are simply that; shows produced in the television studio.

Elements of a News Studio & Control Room

Production Roles

​Anchor

The news anchors (usually two students) are responsible for writing the script for the broadcast. This script should follow broadcast standards, keeping the information conversational and understandable. it is normal to write stories for a fifth grade reading level to insure that information does not go over the head of your viewers.

The anchors dress professionally while presenting the news behind the anchor desks. This involves rehearsing the script, as well as reading off the teleprompter while being recorded.

Floor Manager

The floor manager is the person responsible for overseeing all jobs in the studio, including anchors, camera operators, lighting, etc. He or she must make sure that the studio is safe (following OSHA guidelines) before, during, and after the broadcast.

The floor manager must stand directly beside the camera (between the cameras) and must signal the anchors to either begin speaking or to end speaking throughout the broadcast. This person is the communicator between the producer in the control room and the anchors behind the desk.

Camera Operator

The camera operator is responsible for setting up the cameras for the broadcast; wheeling them into position, powering them up, turning them on, and connecting the CAT-6 cable connection into the control room.

The camera operator is responsible for operating the camera (or cameras) during the broadcast, widening out or zooming in the shot throughout the show as directed from the control room. The camera operator is not to talk during the production.

The camera operator is responsible for putting the cameras away, wrapping up cables, and following OSHA guidelines.

Producer

The producer is responsible for the overall rundown of the show. He or she must run the producer's meeting at the start of the week, coordinating with reporters to see what stories are available and need covering. The producer assigns these stories. The producer then decides the order of the stories for the broadcast, working with the anchors to write the script.

The producer must oversee that every story is being completed and the packages are coming together throughout the week. If a reporter or team needs help, the producer must find them help or help on their own.

The producer calls the show in the control room, preparing all the positions for the next shift; "ready camera 1, take camera 1, ready sound effect, take sound effect," and so on.

The producer gives feedback for all roles, encouraging the crew and anchors on their job well done.

Video Switcher

The video switcher is responsible for turning on the Tricaster and building lineup by importing packages for the show. The packages must be in order in the DDR.

The video switcher is responsible for insuring that the two video cameras and signals are connected to the Tricaster (check with the camera operators).

The video switcher is the person who runs the Tricaster during the broadcast, opening the show with the intro, putting up different camera feeds, and ultimately mixing the show.

The video switcher is responsible for emptying the DDR after each show, uploading the broadcast to YouTube, and closing out the equipment, and shutting it down. *Ask Ms. Brown for information about uploading to YouTube directly from Tricaster.*

Character Generator / Graphics

The CG operator is responsible for going through the script and making titles for each of the required elements. This involves working with the producer to get a sense of what is required. This includes typing out and updating the scrolling credits at the end of the show.

The CG operator is responsible for running the titles throughout the show, putting them up for the Video Switcher in advance so the team is ready for each switch.

The CG operator must clean up and empty out old titles as they become obsolete.

The CG operator must shut down the Character Generator after each show.

Teleprompter(s)

The teleprompter must use his or her Chromebook to run through the broadcast.

The teleprompter must get access (in advance) to the script. They must paste it into the website easyprompter.com and make any adjustments as necessary.

The teleprompter is responsible for going through the script with the anchors to get a feel for their reading speed, matching their pace and pauses.

The teleprompter must run the Chromebook throughout the broadcast.

At the end of the broadcast, the teleprompter may unplug his or her Chromebook and clean up the control room desk where they've sat.

Soundboard Operator

The soundboard operator is responsible for finding songs to play for the introduction as well as at the end of the show each time. These songs must be SCHOOL APPROPRIATE and must be listened to in advance.

The soundboard operator is responsible for uncoiling and setting up two lavaliere microphones in the studio for the anchors; also attaching the microphones to each anchor as needed.

The soundboard operator must perform a full sound check before the broadcast; playing through the various songs (to find levels), asking the anchors to count from 1 to 10 at their normal pace and speaking volume. They must take turns and repeat themselves as needed.

The soundboard operator is responsible for operating the board during the broadcast, playing the intro song, raising and lowering the anchor microphones, and then playing any additional music that is required.

The soundboard operator is required to shut down the board, computer, and so on. Also, he or she must wrap up all the sound cables and put away the lavaliere microphones.

These are bits and pieces of content I've found from other teachers and resources about journalism ethics. The goal, here, is to collect them in one location to make it easy for showing my own students in a quick format.

Historically: A-Roll is defined as the interview footage filmed and recorded on a roll of tape. B-Roll is the footage that goes along with the interview recorded on a tape, and the two would be mixed together into a final piece.

As a human race, we observe others. As journalists, we analyze and report what we see.We live in a world, right now, where everyone has a camera phone and so therefore assumes that s/he is a journalist. There are many key differences between the average camera-phone owner and a journalist. One important distinction is that a journalist analyzes and disseminates news for the public, filtering out the key information as it is relevant to citizens. Most journalists today have even forgotten this critical step.

It is not enough to simply collect information and spread it around. A journalist is someone who gathers information (who, what, when, where, why, how) and makes sense of it all for citizens. As journalists carryout this process, they must honor their viewers and remain as objective as possible.

This video presents objective vs. subjective as a difference between provable (verifiable) fact...and an opinion of taste. The narrator draws comparisons between two pictures of two dogs. She makes two statements: 1) "This dog is dressed as Yoda." 2) "This dog is cute." Which statement is objective and which is subjective?

If you miss class then you can watch this video on Objective vs. Subjective to get a sense of the difference.

Think about what this interview says to you. Think about how you relate to what Ann Curry says about determination. Think about who in your life believes in you, or who in your life doubts you. What makes you sure of yourself?

Think about how many times you've consciously watched the news in the last two months. What were the circumstances in which you watched the news? Was there a local emergency? Was there a storm approaching? You may be the type of person who simply watches the news on a regular basis to stay informed on whats going on around you. This assignment will challenge you to think deeper about what you've seen.

News Broadcast > News Package

A television news broadcast is made up of many parts, including an 1) introduction with a list of stories that made headlines for the recent news cycle. 2) Anchors go through each story and call up each news package and reporter who covered the story. The stories run with a series of commercial breaks throughout the broadcast. Anchors are essentially the traffic controllers. In the end, 3) anchor's sign-off and say goodbye.

Breaking Down the News Package

Intro Tease (Anchor)

Lead Sentence (Reporter)

Interview

B-Roll

Voiceover

Images

Story Arc

Who, What, When, Where, Why, How

Outro (Reporter)

Sample News Package: Hurricane Sandy

This sample package shows the ABC news anchor curing up the story with an intro tease about the hurricane. She then flips the story to the live reporter on scene. The reporter gives her intro lead sentence and then the package rolls. At the end, the reporter sends viewers back to the anchor, who continues with the news.

Summary (explain what the story is about and why ‘your’ students & the (‘your’ community will care):

Telling the story visually (describe the beginning, middle & end of your story:

Who will you need to interview? Compile a list of questions you will ask each interviewee? Keep in mind that you may ask different people different questions.

Additional Background & Notes (information & statistics that might be useful in your story & the viewer may find interesting)

When (Timeliness):

Where (Proximity):

Who (Human Interest):

What (Relevance):

Why (Conflict):

How (Controversy):

Write the anchor's lead-in to the reporter:

Reporter's Lead Sentence:

Reporter's End Tag:

Thinking Everything Through

Lynda experts cover 'Planning and Prepping for an Interview.' This gentleman breaks down the thought process on adjusting types of shots (wide shot, medium shot, close-up) while conducting an interview.

How to Conduct a 'Good' Interview

Put yourself in their shoes and make them feel comfortable.

Adjust your tone and demeanor depending on the type of interview you're doing.

Ask questions that require interviewees to answer in a complete sentence (not just 'yes' or 'no').

Listen to your interviewee and ask follow-up questions.

Consider your audience and what they are interested in learning.

Katie Couric Shares Interview Tactics

Katie Couric is a well-known journalist who has worked for many news outlets including NBC and CBS. She speaks here about her experiences in conducting interviews. She makes a few pointers for those starting out.